The Valley of Cross Purposes: Charles Nordhoff and American Journalism, 1860-1890

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In the late 1800s, Charles Nordhoff forged the shape of modern journalism and profoundly influenced both politicians and politics. Principled, activist, investigative, and a champion of the disenfranchised and poor, he was more interested in character and results than in personality and credit. And like the blacksmith wielding his hammer, he left us the tangible products of his labors, but few details of himself.

With superb research, illuminating insights, and eloquent prose, Carol Frost brings Nordhoff vividly to life: both the man and his extraordinary impacts on politics, journalism, government, and public discourse–impacts that are still defining public life today.

Journalists, historians, and activists will find context and inspiration in this captivating and previously untold story, a story that in many important ways feels like it was written about the events and debates of our own time rather than those of more than 100 years ago.